{"id":26563,"date":"2022-02-21T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-21T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/pet-friendly-bedroom\/"},"modified":"2023-11-02T19:58:13","modified_gmt":"2023-11-02T19:58:13","slug":"pet-friendly-bedroom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/pet-friendly-bedroom\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Ways to Create a Pet-Friendly Bedroom"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In times of stress, many of us look to someone who will be with us through thick and thin\u2014like a warm, fuzzy, comforting pet. It\u2019s no wonder that throughout the pandemic, pet ownership has gone up exponentially. One November 2021 study reported that 14% of United States respondents<\/a> had gotten a new pet, an increase of 4% since December 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, our minds are on our pets more than ever. In fact, in their annual trend report, Pinterest predicted<\/a> \u201cbarkitecture,\u201d in which people are increasingly incorporating pet-friendly features into their homes, would be one of the biggest interior design trends of 2022<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bedroom should be no exception when setting up spaces that appeal to your dogs or cats. Whether it\u2019s buying a comfy bed, setting up the room for older pets, or choosing cleaners that won\u2019t be toxic to your furry friends, we\u2019ve got you covered with these seven helpful tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Purchase the right pet bed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Choosing a pet bed<\/a> that’s comfortable and safe for your pup or kitty is key. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, whatever pet bed you select should be machine-washable or have a cover that can be unzipped and removed to be washed in the laundry, says Amanda Williams, doctor of veterinary medicine and chief veterinarian and medical director of Furry Friends Adoption, Clinic & Ranch<\/a> in Jupiter, Fla. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind that pet beds come in a variety of shapes\u2014and your pet’s behavior can inform which one is right for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cObserve your pet\u2019s sleeping habits,\u201d Williams suggests. \u201cIf they sleep curled up, get a circular bed. If they are all sprawled out, get a rectangular bed. If they like to lean on their side, get a bed with back support. If your pet likes to snuggle up under the covers, get a bed with a little hood to burrow underneath.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pet beds also come in a wide range of materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you live in a cold climate or have a dog or cat who doesn\u2019t have fluffy fur or a lot of meat on their bones, \u201cconsider a bed that is plush with fleece, faux fur, or some other material that will keep them warm and cozy,\u201d Williams recommends. \u201cIf your dog or cat has a lot of its own insulation and is very furry or you are in a warm climate, look for a bed made of a material that will keep them cool.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe your pet has orthopedic problems, such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, or injuries. In this case, Williams emphasizes the importance of purchasing an orthopedic bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere are even NASA-certified beds with memory foam to provide your pet with the support they need to rest and reduce strain on the areas causing them pain and discomfort,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The size of the pet bed is also important. Williams suggests measuring your pet from the tip of their nose to the tip of their tail and then adding 8 to 12 inches to determine the proper length or diameter of their bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLastly, look for a bed that will grip well to your floor,\u201d Williams says. \u201cIf it slides all over the place, it is an accident waiting to happen if your pet gets the zoomies and runs on it or if you accidentally step on it and slip.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From a design standpoint, Brooke Wilbratte, owner and principal designer of Tribe Design Group<\/a>, advises choosing a color for the pet bed that \u201cworks with your bedroom,\u201d adding that \u201cif you have multiple pets, buy the same ones so they match.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just one caveat: If you have a young puppy or kitten who’s still destroying things, you may want to hold off on purchasing a pet bed right now because \u201cyou might have to replace it often and you don\u2019t want your pet consuming the fabric or filling,\u201d Williams notes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Set up their own spot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you choose a place for the pet bed in your bedroom, Williams suggests opting for a location where it won\u2019t be a tripping hazard, something that Wilbratte thinks is crucial too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDo not place a bed in any walkways,” says Wilbratte. “A corner is good or on one side of the bed, preferably the side you don\u2019t see when you walk into the bedroom.\u201d Williams adds that a small nook in a corner or underneath a bench will also make the spot feel \u201cextra cozy and secure\u201d for your pet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To make the room even more comfortable for your dog or cat, make sure to have an area with food and water available, especially if they\u2019re closed in the bedroom. Scratching posts for cats can help prevent them from scratching at bedroom furniture if confined to the bedroom overnight as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What if your dog and<\/em> cat are sharing the space?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHave a window perch for the cat bed to be on, which can help the cat feel more comfortable and they can be away from the dog,” says Williams. “A cat tower can also help with an escape area for the cats as well.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make the room welcoming<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you want to set up your bedroom in such a way that it\u2019s a safe space for your pets, you can make it more welcoming and accessible to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Williams recommends keeping the door open during the day and letting them come and go as they please. \u201cThen, at nighttime, they\u2019ll want to be there when the door is closed,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, keep toys in the bedroom so they have stimulation. \u201cThey may wake up in the middle of the night to teethe or want to play,” says Williams. “By having toys there, they can do so without disturbing you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider special needs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps your pet is dealing with a mobility issue, a health problem, or is getting up in years and needs a little help getting around. In this instance, you\u2019ll want to accommodate them in your sleeping space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Williams remarks that senior pets who are accustomed to sleeping on the bed\u2014but can no longer jump on and off\u2014could begin to feel sad, depressed, disconnected from the family, or like they’re being punished if accommodations aren’t made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So if you prefer your pet sleep in your bed\u2014but they\u2019re unable to jump on or off the bed\u2014it can be useful to buy a ramp or staircase. That way “they can easily climb from the floor to the bed and vice versa,\u201d Williams says. \u201cYou do not want a pet injuring themselves or making an active injury worse because they take the risk of jumping.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wilbratte offers an alternative to a ramp: \u201cA pretty bench or stools at the foot of the bed can help older, smaller pets get on the bed,” she says. “They are normally 18 inches high, so they\u2019re easier to jump on.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your senior pet normally likes to sleep on the floor, Williams says a memory foam or good orthopedic pet bed can help alleviate stiffness and provide comfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For dogs who have urinary incontinence and might have breakthrough leaking, Williams says you can consider a bed with a waterproof surface or use pee pads over the bed to control the mess.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Include pet-friendly fabrics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you have a pet, messes are guaranteed. Since many bedroom fabrics tend to not be particularly stain-resistant, Wilbratte has suggestions for pet-friendly alternatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She recommends 100% polyester or 100% solution-dyed acrylic, both of which are very washable fabrics. \u201cThere are so many incredible fabrics now that look and feel like velvet, leather, cotton, and linen,\u201d she says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Think about flooring<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to selecting flooring for your pet-friendly bedroom, Wilbratte sings the praises of wood. She says it\u2019s the best option since most dogs don\u2019t like to walk on tile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 \u201cWe prefer wood flooring with an area rug under your bed so if your dog has an accident or ruins the rug somehow, you can get it cleaned or replace it easily,\u201d explains Wilbratte. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make it safe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether your pet spends the majority of their time in your bedroom<\/a>, or if they\u2019re unattended while you\u2019re sleeping or away at work, it\u2019s important to keep your sleeping space safe. This is something that’s true for every room of your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Begin by thinking about the types of cleaning products you\u2019re using.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnimals explore the world using their senses of smell and taste,\u201d Williams observes. \u201cIf a cleaning product has a scent they are attracted to, they are more likely to investigate it by licking it up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s why Williams suggests using scent-free cleaning products. She says there are also plenty of natural cleaners that are labeled for safe use around animals and are non-harmful if ingested. \u201cMake sure to check the label or call the company hotline for more information when choosing a cleaning product,\u201d she advises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Williams says ingredients such as bleach, ammonia, chlorine, glycol ethers, and formaldehyde can be toxic and lead to cancer, anemia, and liver and kidney damage in pets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several other ways you can make your bedroom safer for your pet. For starters, keep any choking hazards out of reach. This includes small objects they can swallow, such as jewelry and batteries, as well as cords from blinds that could wrap around their neck, says Williams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you tend to keep your medications in your bedroom, make sure your pets can\u2019t get to them either. \u201cPills are quite attractive to pets,\u201d Williams says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Williams adds that it\u2019s important to keep electrical wires hidden and unused power outlets plugged in to prevent electrocution. Also, if your pet is prone to jumping on furniture and you’re afraid the furniture might topple to the ground, fasten it to the wall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure to keep clothes off the floor as they can be tempting for some chewers to ingest overnight and can be a target for cats to urinate. And keep towels, headbands, and ponytail holders out of reach if they like to grab and chew on them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe precautions to take to pet-proof a home are identical to baby-proofing,\u201d Williams says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bottom line: Pets are generally much happier if they\u2019re near their humans, and spending time in your sleeping space together is an excellent way to do just that. Knowing your pet is comfortable and safe in your home will make you feel a lot better too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on improving your pet’s\u2014and your own\u2014sleep, check out these other articles on our blog:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n